A study on the relationship between ergonomic work environments and productivity from a broad cross-section across North America found that absenteeism fell from 4% to 1% after workstation design changes were implemented; and employee productivity was subjectively judged as “much improved”. Blue Cross Blue Shield found that after implementing ergonomic designs in employee workstations, there was a 4.4% improvement in productivity. A comprehensive ergonomics program at Johns Hopkins Hospital resulted in an 80% reduction in MSDs over a 6-year period. Intel reported a 72% reduction in MSDs over a 4-year period after implementing an ergonomics program. One high-tech manufacturer had a 5% improvement in productivity using ergonomic improvements in the employees’ workstations. This increased productivity resulted in a net reduction in staff. Taking into consideration inflation, taxes and cost of invested capital, the difference between ergonomic and non-ergonomic furnishings for a first-time purchaser would be recovered in less than 8 months.

Imaging department managers should consider ergonomic design when purchasing new equipment. It may also be possible to modify existing equipment to make it more ergonomic.

Important equipment design features to consider:

Patient scheduling should be managed so that a variety of exams are scheduled throughout the day, allowing sonographers to use different postures and scanning techniques during the workday.

A separate monitor should be provided for patient viewing so that the sonographer is not forced into constrained postures by sharing the monitor with the patient.

When staffing and space permit, one exam room can be set up specifically for each individual sonographer.